Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert Cialdini

In the world of psychology, the phenomenon is called "compliance". The rest of us refer to it as "influence" and "persuasion". How and why people agree to things affects us all every day, every hour. Especially in a job interview. Learn from an expert how to use your influence. Cialdini is a psychologist who's been studying this subject for years, and this book is five notches above any self-help tome. One of the finest accounts of the psychology underlying when we are or are not persuaded. Cialdini provides compelling examples of persuasion tactics, which will make for an interesting read for any one remotely interested in selling, marketing, or in understanding why they sometimes get roped in to say yes when they wish they had said no!" 

How Winners Sell by Dave Stein

Because sales experts have useful advice for those serious about success in their career. Stein emphasizes "the truth" about an opportunity over the wishful thinking that leads to bad choices. He teaches how to become proficient at asking questions before approaching prospects. And he shows how to recognize a lost cause.

How to Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie

A practical guide that offers a number of fundamelsights on relationships and people's motivations. Don't let the title fool you, because it is not about manipulating people. Rather it is about being sincere and communicating your message most effectively. A classic.

Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi

Nah, you're not going to get as good at netwoking as Keith Ferrazzi, who has established a new class of guru in the universe of inside contacts. You won't even like some of his methods. But no matter. There's wisdom in this book that no one should ignore. In a world where technology lets you "connect" with a zillion other members of "online social networks", Ferrazzi reminds us that flesh and blood is the be-all and end-all of life. Who you know matters, and who knows you probably matters more. It ain't the "nodes" in the network. It's the people and the relationships. Real people. Real relationships. If you can't sit down and break bread with a real person, then you have no real relationship, and the joke's on you. Having friends takes a lot of time and a lot of love.

You probably haven't read this book or Rand's The Fountainhead because, like War & Peace, they seem long and intimidating. If you pick them up, you'll never want these books to end. I confess I purchased and made extensive use of Cliff Notes' summary of the book. However, Rand presents an ideal if hard to achieve definition of capitalism. A motivator in taking responsibility for yourself, your work and your life.

If you ever wondered how one person could really make a difference, or how it can be possible to succeed while remaining true to yourself, you're not alone. Ayn Rand tells the compelling story of how the individual is the fountainhead of all progress.

There exists the popular notion that altruism and selfishness are at odds and further that altruism is the moral ideal. Rand argues that devotion to the welfare of others, as Webster’s defines altruism, is no more moral or right than the devotion to the welfare of oneself. She argues that selfish acts are not automatically acts that are to the detriment of others. Rand goes on to say that actions taken with the knowledge that it will be to another’s detriment, are not rational. And true selfish behavior requires rational and principled centered thought. For her, the truly selfish person is a self-respecting, self-supporting human being who neither sacrifices others to himself nor sacrifices himself to others. If you'd had any doubt or guilt about your personal desires, this book will help you sort them out.

Warren Buffett advises us to "read your Russell". On the topic of ethics, Russell believed that they are not only meaningful, but that they are a vital subject matter for civil discourse. In this book he iterates his view that reason, for which he is so well known, ought to be subordinate to ethical considerations.

Richard Leider offers real insight into what makes people happy at their work. He bases this book on research he has done over 20 years. His perspective on "purpose in our work" is both profound and useful.

Frankel's message is simple. In any situation, under any circumstances, we all have choice. And we can find meaning in our existence.

Covey provides the instruction manual on how to do things well. Hardly profound, but right to the point. Covey encourages us to begin with the end in mind, find the win-win relationship and renew by concentrating on taking care of oneself.

Though not the first, possibly the best book in the self-help genre. About more than growing rich financially. It's about growing rich in all aspects of life.